ADORNING THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD
A. In our recent study of "FRUSTRATION, AND HOW TO RESOLVE IT," we learned from the Scriptures that one of the sources from which frustration flows is Satan, who is the great deceiver, and delights in frustrating Christians (2 Corinthians 2:11; James 4:7) as well as those who aren't (2 Corinthians 4:3,4).
B. We also learned that the way by which a Christian may protect himself from the attacks of Satan is to adorn the entire suit of armor which God has provided (Ephesians 6:11), as well as resisting Satan "in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9), which means to so know "the body of truth" (the Bible) that Satan cannot deceive.
C. Let us think more fully about the mechanics of adorning the whole armor of God.
A. In Bible times the loins were believed to be the place of physical strength (Job 40:16). This figure is used here to describe the place of our Spiritual strength. But where is this place?
B. 1 Peter 1:13 tells us to "gird up the loins of your mind."
C. In other words, fill your mind with truth.
D. From what sources do we draw truth?
1. John 16:13 - The Spirit is truth.
2. John 14:6 - Jesus is the truth.
3. Timothy 2:15 - The Bible is truth.
4. Ephesians 4:15 - Christians are to speak the truth. See verse 14. It strongly suggests that truth is the antidote to satanic deceptions.
5. Peter 1:22 - Christians are to obey the truth.
E. Summary: Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44), cannot remain near one who is in every way submitted to the truth.
A. The Christian's positional righteousness is in Christ (Romans 3:21-26). When it is suspected that Satan is assailing us, we should present not our own feeble efforts at righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ which is ours.
B. The practical righteousness before mankind and Satan. Titus 2:7,8 says, "In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned, that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."
C. Summary: Satan cannot remain near one who lives right.
A. The word "preparation" suggests some maturity in understanding the gospel (the "good news" of salvation through Christ and peace with God, as well as the peace of God dwelling within).
B. We would scarcely have any confidence in facing our foes if we were anxious about our relations with our Commander In Chief.
C. Summary: Satan cannot upset one who is well educated in the gospel of peace, and enjoying peace with God (Romans 5:1), as well as the peace of God (Philippians 4:6,7).
A. Romans 1:17 tells us, "The just shall live by faith."
B. This is the key to an optimistic attitude.
1. In every situation, we should seek to understand God's teaching on the matter.
2. Then, by faith, depend on those teachings, no matter how much evidence to the contrary.
3. When we align ourselves with God's truth, we will be optimistic about every situation in which we find ourselves.
C. The shield of faith enables us to quench ALL, not just some of, the fiery darts of the wicked one.
D. What might be some examples of a fiery dart?"
1. Discouragement in one's daily Christian walk.
2. Depression from prolonged worry.
3. Thinking God has forgotten or abandoned us.
4. Devastation when a loved one leaves you.
5. Emotional collapse from various adversities.
6. Anxiety from "not knowing" the causes and cures of the ills that may be going on around you.
E. Summary: Satan cannot penetrate the mind or emotions of an optimistic Christian.
A. It is well documented that the mind controls all actions and emotions (good or bad) of the body, whether or not one is conscious of it.
B. The helmet protects the head, which includes the mind.
C. Salvation, therefore, should influence every dimension of our thinking, according to our text.
D. If, in point I, above, the "loins" suggest the "mind" (one's thinking), the "head" might suggest "authority," or, "priority."
E. The point is, Christ, the Bible, the Gospel, the Christian life, and all that these things entail must have top priority.
F. It is so easy and natural to give top priority to our vocations, our homes, our health, our families, our wealth, and even our play time, and leave God out of our thoughts and priorities altogether.
G. SUMMARY: Satan can do little or no damage to one if he cannot rearrange his priorities.
A. This is also called the Word of God.
B. When we stand upon the Word of God, in every situation, the enemy (Satan) will be routed.
C. The Greek word here for "word" is not the normal word,"logos" (the written word), but rather "rhema" (the spoken word).
D. The Christian should be able to "speak" the Word to the Devil, like the Lord did in Matthew 4:1-11.
E. This ability can only come to one who is daily reading, studying, meditating upon, memorizing, and obeying the Word of God.
F. Summary: Satan will "leave you alone" after you have quoted the Word of God to him. Recall Matthew 4:11.
A. Notice that Paul exhorts us to engage in all types of prayer.
B. "Supplication" means "petitions," or, "requests." We should ask God for help.
C. "For ALL saints." We should pray for each other, and especially that all of us shall have victory over Satan's "wiles" (tricks), and "fiery darts."
D. In verse 19, Paul adds, "and for me." This tells us to pray for those who minister the Word of God to us.
E. In Matthew 6:13, "deliver us from evil" may be more accurately translated, "deliver us from the evil one (Satan)."
F. Summary: Prayer brings Satan's influences to a halt. He will leave one alone since he is interested primarily is receiving worship from humanity.
A. It should be pointed out that all of these items tell us that the battle is really for our minds.
B. It should also be pointed out that there is no armor for one's back. We're never to run away from Satan in fear, but rather stand on the promises of the Scriptures, claiming our immunity from His power and influence.
C. If you are a Christian who seems to be experiencing frustration because you accepted Satan's lies as true, we urge you to adorn all of the armor God has for you.
D. The price one pays for liberation from Satan's tricks is far less than the price paid for believing him.
E. Jesus said, in Matthew 11:30, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Satan's yoke is more difficult, and his burden is much heavier.
F. May God give us the Spiritual intelligence to grasp the truths of this study so thoroughly that we'll never again be deceived by the lies of the Devil.
Bob Bruton
July 24, 1994